Faruque Hassan, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), emphasized the paramount importance of prioritizing skills development to navigate the evolving landscape of the global labor market. 

Addressing a program organized by the Ministry of Finance under the Skills for Employment Investment Program (SEIP) at Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka on December 26, he underscored the need for continuous adaptation to changes happening amid global trends such as automation, climate action, and digitalization. 

He highlighted the significance of aligning the skills of the workforce with the dynamic demands of both domestic and international markets. 

He also pointed to the rapid transformations in technology, climate change, and socio-economic shifts that impact labor market trends, saying strengthening skills development is essential for Bangladesh to enhance its resilience to changes in the job market.

Governor of Bangladesh Bank Abdur Rouf Talukder spoke at the function as chief guest with Finance Division Secretary and National Project Director of SEIP Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder in the chair.

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan praised the Skills for Employment Investment Program for its pivotal role in creating a skilled workforce, particularly in the readymade garment industry. 

Around 8 lakh skilled manpower has been created under the program since its inception in 2014.

Mentioning the influence of technological advancements on the industry, he stressed on the increasing necessity of skilling, reskilling, and upskilling to cope with these changes.

The BGMEA President urged for continued investments in skills development to harness the potential of the young population and contribute to economic growth. 

The program was also addressed by Jiangbo Ning, Deputy Country Director, ADB-BRM; Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary, Economic Relations Division; Satyajit Karmaker, Secretary, Planning Division; Dr. Ahmed Munirus Saleheen, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare & Overseas Employment.

Additional Secretary and Executive Project Director of SEIP Fatema Rahim Veena made the welcome remarks, highlighting the success and achievements of the SEIP project.